budesonide inhaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler, Pulmicort Respules

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

GENERIC NAME: budesonide

BRAND NAME: Pulmicort Turbuhaler, Pulmicort Respules

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Budesonide is a man-made glucocorticoid steroid related to the naturally-occurring hormone, cortisol or
hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. It is used for treating asthma by inhalation.
Glucocorticoid steroids such as cortisol or budesonide have potent anti-inflammatory actions that reduces inflammation and hyper-reactivity (spasm) of the airways caused by asthma. When used
as an inhaler, the budesonide goes directly to the inner lining of the inflamed airways to exert its effects. Only 39% of an inhaled dose of budesonide
is absorbed into the body, and the absorbed budesonide contributes little to the effects on the airways.

PRESCRIBED FOR: The budesonide inhaler is used for the control of
asthma in persons requiring continuous, prolonged treatment. Such patients may
include those with frequent asthmatic episodes requiring bronchodilators,
for example, albuterol (Ventolin) or those with asthmatic episodes at night.

DOSING: Budesonide is used to prevent asthmatic attacks and should
not be used to treat an acute attack of asthma. The Turbuhaler is used for
individuals six years of age or older. Effects can be seen within 24 hours, but
maximum effects may not be seen for 1-2 weeks or longer. Doses vary widely.
Adults usually receive 1 to 4 actuations (puffs) twice daily. Children usually receive 1
to 2 puffs twice daily. For those with mild asthma, treatment once daily may be sufficient.